Doan, Winstead Join Groundbreaking Ceremony for Buffalo Courthouse

Remarks by
Lurita Alexis Doan
Administrator
U.S. General Services Administration
Buffalo Courthouse Groundbreaking
Buffalo, New York
October 9, 2007

Thank you very much, Commissioner David Winstead.

Good morning, everyone. What a pleasure for me to join today with:

Chief Judge Arcara;

Senator Schumer;

Congressman Higgins, Congresswoman Slaughter;

Mayor Brown;

And the many elected officials, agency partners and other special guests as we gather at the future home of the U.S. Courthouse at Niagara Square.

Today is a groundbreaking ceremony, a time to pause and reflect a moment on how far we’ve come before we tackle the challenging work that still remains.

On behalf of President Bush and as Administrator of GSA, I am here to say congratulations, and to assure you we will finish what we started – and in superb fashion!

As this project moves forward, I see many benefits:

This is the largest project GSA has ever undertaken in Buffalo. All of us hope it generates a wave of development that yields tremendous returns for this wonderful “city of good neighbors.”

Buffalo is about to get a secure, $137 million world-class facility that meets the needs of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York for years to come – 265,000 gross square feet; nine courtrooms, 11 chambers and 54 indoor parking spaces.

The project also will provide jobs and contracts for small and disadvantaged businesses. The general contractor’s small business goal is 40 percent.

And last, as Commissioner Winstead mentioned, we’re very proud of GSA’s positive presence here and in cities throughout the nation. As we go forward on the new courthouse, GSA will also continue to provide superior workspace in downtown Buffalo for over 2,500 federal workers.

In closing, let me thank:

All members of New York’s congressional delegation, as well as Mayor Brown and all the state, federal and local officials who have helped us reach this day;

GSA Regional Administrator Emily Baker, Public Buildings Service Commissioner David Winstead and the entire GSA team;

Buffalo artist Robert Mangold for his piece that will be incorporated into the entry pavilion façade;

And Kohn Pederson Fox; Mascaro Construction, and Cannon Design – a local Buffalo firm - for the great work they have done or will soon perform;

Judge Arcara, ladies and gentlemen, we have come a long way. I appreciate the dedication, talent and persistence that helped us to get this far. Soon it will be time to get back to work. Three years from now, another celebration will be held to cut the ribbon on a gleaming, 10-story courthouse that will provide our judges with the world-class space and facilities they need to administer justice and help decide the critical issues of the day.